Do I still think science is a viable career path in 2025?
Yes
But sometimes it feels like
For example,
Almost all of my academic friends, have all worked in both academic and non-academic environments at some point
I know post-graduates who are
Program managers
Database managements
Data librarians
Data scientists
Mathematical Statistician
Researcher at the Smithsonians
IT / AWS specialists
Public health educators
Consultants
Environmental health professionals
Biotechnology startup researchers
Adaptation in Stochastic Research Environments
Bet-Hedging
Definition: Increasing variance in fitness at the expense of lower average fitness to ensure survival across unpredictable conditions.
Examples: Plants producing seeds with staggered germination times.
Life History Adjustments
r-selection: High fecundity with low parental investment (e.g., many offspring).
K-selection: Fewer offspring with higher investment (e.g., longevity, parental care).
Dormancy: Delayed development (e.g., seed banks).
Boosting Genetic Diversity
Role: Buffers populations against fluctuations, ensuring some individuals thrive in any condition.
Mechanisms: Variation of mutation rate, sexual reproduction, dispersal / gene flow.
Phenotypic Plasticity
Definition: Non-parallel reaction norms among individuals with different genotypes in response to different environmental conditions. GxE interaction.
Examples: Seasonal coat color changes in animals; metabolic flexibility in plants.
But what about being replaced by AI?
But what about being replaced by AI?
But what about being replaced by AI?
More importantly, an generative AI is a based on massively complicated statistical engines designed to answer the question, “what should I say next?”
But what about being replaced by AI?
If you make a complicated model of nature,
But what about being replaced by AI?
If you make a complicated model of nature, now you have two things you don’t understand.
-Alan Hastings
But what about being replaced by AI?
But what about being replaced by AI?
AI is a tool to help people answer questions, but we are the people who ask questions.
Advice from my friends
Focus on transferrable skills like communication, technical writing, data viz, coding, problem solving.
Advice from my friends
Take a grant writing class
Take a coding class
Learn GIS, particularly if doing fieldwork
Take a ‘how to find jobs seminar’
Advice from my friends
• The best thing about SBS (and probably grad school anywhere) is the people. Make a point of meeting them, talking to them, asking for their help, and offering yours when you can. That will also have the side-effect of making you one of those great people folks meet in grad school.
• From the day you come in to the day you leave, remember that you’re here to learn. Try stuff, fail, ask for help, change directions. Being bad at something is good. That’s just something you can try to improve at, which is why you’re here.
Advice from my friends
Self-Evaluated Workload: Prioritize balance and adjust work hours based on personal assessment, not peer pressure or toxic “overwork” culture.
Critical Analysis: Always question why specific methods or techniques are used in research; avoid adopting approaches solely because they’re precedent—understand their rationale.
Workflow Investment: Develop and maintain efficient workflows tailored to your needs, even if it requires upfront time.
Advisor Relationship: Choose an advisor you can collaborate with effectively, as their mentorship profoundly impacts your PhD experience. Proactively nurture this relationship to navigate challenges.